Fudge

I'm going to warn you now, this is the best fudge ever! A friend of mine tried some this Christmas and said, "Well this tastes absolutely sinful." Yep. That completely describes Easy Fantasy Fudge. That's what the recipe my dad gave me called it. I'm not sure where he got it... package of marshmallow cream? Package of chocolate chips? Yeah, I just don't know. All I do know is that this is the way my daddy made fudge, and I loved it. So this is how I make fudge, and it continues to receive good feedback, especially from my daughter. I actually had to tape up the container of fudge this year because she was going through it so fast! lol

1 1/2 cups butter (plus more for the pan)

6 cups sugar

1 1/3 cups evaporated milk

24 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

13 ounces puffed marshmallow cream

2 cups diced walnuts

2 tsp vanilla

Grease one 13x18, two 9x13, or three 9x9 pans with butter. In a large pot mix butter, sugar, and milk and heat over medium-high heat.

Bring to a boil. Boil stirring constantly to prevent scorching for five minutes, or until temperature on a candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees.

Remove from heat. Gradually stir in chocolate chips until melted.

Add vanilla and marshmallow cream and mix until smooth.

Add walnuts and mix well.

Pour into prepared pan(s). Let cool at room temperature. Cut into squares.

While it is not necessary, I store my fudge in the fridge. I prefer the firmer texture that having it chilled provides.

Peppermint Bark

Want to look totally awesome next Christmas? Mix up a batch of peppermint bark to hand out to family and friends. It will look like you spent a lot of time making a fantastic homemade gift... but it is soooooo easy! I can't exactly attribute this recipe to any particular one... I scoured Pinterest and read dozens of recipes for peppermint bark, and this is what I decided to go with. That's the great part about this confection - you can make it pretty much anyway you want. Last year I used some Andes mint chips that I had bought at the store and created a bark with vanilla and chocolate, Creme de menthe, and the candies. It was really good too!

24 ounces vanilla almond bark

2 tsp peppermint extract

8-10 crushed candy canes

Line a large baking pan (I used a 12x17) with parchment paper. In a microwave safe bowl, warm the bark for 45 seconds to a minute. Stir. Continue to microwave in 30 second intervals and stir after each heating. When you begin to get close, reduce warming time until bark is smooth. You do not want to overcook the bark. It will clump and become useless to you. Add 2 tsp of peppermint extract and 2/3 to 3/4 of the crushed candy cane. Stir until completely combined. 

Pour bark onto parchment paper and spread until evenly smooth. Top with remaining crushed candy cane.

Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool completely, about an hour. Break apart into small pieces. Store in an air-tight container. Look absolutely fantastic!